Christmas with the Meeuwsen's

 Because Aaron, Chelsea and Raylee are in town now and will not be back until next Aug. at the earliest this week was both Thanksgiving and Christmas.  It makes for a busy time but it is nice we at least got to spend some good time with them all while they were here. 

What a difference a year makes, last year with no kids we hung-out late at night, played lots of board games and no one worried about time or poopy diapers.  But with two baby's everything had to work around nap and feeding times for both of them. But there were still some board games, and way too much food.  And the kiddo's provided some good laughter and fun to the mix.

 

Here is Raylee with her hug-a-buddy from Jacqueline. (He has a heating pad in his tummy to help keep her warm for the Alaska winter months.)

 

Here is Jacqueline with new blocks from Raylee.  They are soft and perfect not only to build with but also to chew on.

 

Jacqueline getting in the Christmas spirit with her Jingle Bells.

 

I am not sure if we are trying to be naughty or nice here but sticking out her tongue has been a new favorite activity.

 

The extended Meeuwsen side, Uncle Ryan with Jacqueline and Jaxson.  It is hard to tell because Ryan is holding them but Jaxson is almost a year old but he and Jackie are the same height.  Jaxson dose have the advantage of he can walk but Jackie and bounce.

 

One more photo.  Jackie and Raylee in their matching outfits.  Oma made these darling little outfits including the shoes so that they would match for opening Christmas Presents.  It was just tough to get a picture with both kids looking the same direction and smiling. 

Thanksgiving

This is your dad's favorite holiday.  Adam loves thanksgiving because it is all about family and food.  Years ago we had to make the decision of how to handle multiple family get together and so for thanksgiving we switch every other year between family's this year is the Roelofs Family Thanksgiving (Adam's mom's side).  Really the switching works well, we make it to the Roelofs side when the bulk of the cousins are there and when we are at the Faasse side (my mom's) Uncle Gary's family is there too.  This is a great year to be on Adam's side too because Uncle Aaron, Aunt Chelsea and Raylee are all in town and at thanksgiving too.

Top thanksgiving favorites ...

My favorites
Aunt Frans Cranberry Sauce
Kate Pumpkin Cake (Paula Dean Recipe)
Roasted Turkey with gravy

Adam's Favorites
Coconut Cream Pie (Grandma Karie's Specialty)
Grandma Carol's Sausage Stuffing(Aunt Mina's Recipe)
Ham Balls (A Roelof Speciality)

 

Baby nap time, Raylee in Oma Karie arms and You in Uncle Aaron's.

 Hanging out in your go pod in the kitchen at school while your dad and I carved the birds.

It will be interesting to see what you grow up to like best from both families dishes of special holiday food.  This year you really liked the sweet poatatos and the roll, you tried mashed potatoes too but they were too thick for you.

Busy Weekend

With Aaron, Chelsea and Raylee Meeuwsen in Town from Alaska, Austin's First Birthday and making cookies with my sisters it was a busy weekend but it was a lot of fun.  Here are some high light pics.

 

Austin's First Birthday.

He loved his froggy cake and was a real trooper for the party.  I hope all the sugar didn't make a bad night for Abby.

 

All the Faasse women at the party.  Too bad Andrea missed this picture we might have to try this again at Christmas because I think this photo turned out great!

 

Uncle Aaron's First time meeting Jacqueline.

 

Snowman cookies.  Mom got the idea off Pinterest we made a few alterations just because we did not have all the right ingredients.  I think they turned out pretty cute.

 

Cookies as far as the eye can see.  Kate, Kelly and I had a busy afternoon of cookies and butterscotch candy.  Let the Holidays Begin.

Playing Ball Already

 

So you are already playing ball, 

I suppose no one should be surprised all your Great Grandparents loved Baseball

and Aunt Kate bought you your first ball and glove before you were born.

We are a ways from tee ball yet but it is fun to roll the ball with you.

SNOW

 

Today was the first time you saw SNOW!

It is yet to be seen if you are like your mom and hate the cold or like your dad and think of snowboarding, skiing, sledding snowmobling.

Aunt Fran

 

Aunt Fran had surgery this past Friday and I am thrilled to say she is doing great and was so excited to see you Friday and then again on Monday.    Your Aunt Fran is really my Great-Aunt and your Great-Great-Aunt and she deserves all the Greats. Aunt Fran never married or kids of her own but she looked after all of brothers kids (both Grandpa Don and Uncle Bob) and all of their kids kids.  Aunt Fran used to buy Sunday Coats and Dresses for my mom and Aunt Cheryl when they were little and as a kid Aunt Fran would take my sisters and I shopping too.  School clothes in the fall a new outfit and a toy at Christmas.  Aunt Fran also took me for my first ride ever on the train.  She is one of those really special people who is always trying to make everyone else happy.  I loved staying at her house when I was a kid because their were so many pretty things to look at and because you never knew what adventures the day would hold.  But my earliest memories of Aunt Fran are from when she lived with my family while her condo on Quail Crest was being built.  We would play tea party.  Having Aunt Fran at your tea party was like having Royalty at a tea party, she was always dressed nice and had fancy jewelry and we would use real tea cups and sometimes even drink real tea.   

I love you Aunt Fran.  Glad surgery went well. 

Laughing

 

I know no posts all week then 3 in one day what can I say I am trying to play catch-up.

7 Month Photos

Halloween Photo

 

Playing our new favorite Game 'Eat your Nose"

Who knows why but all the sudden you want to eat everyone's nose.

Poor Aunt Kelly.

 

Fascinated by Aunt Kate's Halloween Makeup.

 

Hanging with Dad

 

The Whole Cat in the Hat Group